FRIDAY
Monongahela…………….…12:05…….……Step II Restaurant
Somerset…………………....12:15……..Somerset Country Club
………………….SERVICE ABOVE SELF…………………..

Rotary Flashes 03-20-2001
ROTARY FLASHES
GREENSBURG ROTARY CLUB NO. 250 – CHARTERED OCTOBER 4, 1916
Volume 71, No. 37……………………………………………… March 20, 2001

Inside This Issue
Wise and Otherwise
Next Meeting’s Program Listing
Our Weekly Meeting and Birthday listings
Places and times to make up a meeting

WISE AND OTHERWISE
"Pray for a good harvest …but keep on hoeing."

Cathy Daversa offered the invocation suggesting that we "labor with dignity and share together the joys of life."

Our Sergeant At Arms, John Hanna, announced that we had no visiting Rotarians. We had three guests, Janet McNeel was a guest of her husband Dick, Mike Buechele was a guest of Mary Clymer and Rex Ferguson was a guest of Jeff Malloy. Our student guests were Ellen Bursch from Greensburg Central Catholic, Evan Watkins from the Hempfield Area Sr. High School and Kyessa Brian from Greensburg Salem. Thanks to our drivers Nelson Mayer, Paul Hochendoner and Jack Waite for bringing these students to the meeting today.

TODAY'S ATTENDANCE was 60. This included 3 guests and 3 students.

MAKE-UPS: Gary Rutter attended the Hempfield Club, Dan Krezenski had a make-up and Roberta Stemmler-Guest attended the Rotary Club of Ocala, Florida.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kevin Metsger advised us last week that the Annual Health Screening Project would be held on April 7th and 21st. Additional rooms at the center have been provided for additional testing. It was stressed that 15 volunteers are needed for each Saturday morning so that this program can continue to be professionally operated. Report at 5:45 a.m. We should be concluded at 10:30 a.m. Have you been wondering how to be of service to your community and your Club?…….volunteer…..Be sure to sign up at the next meeting.

President Adib announced last week that we would be having a new fundraiser to allow us to raise money for our current and future projects. An Art Auction will be held on May 12th at Smith Hall Lounge at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Invitations will be sent out to the community. Tickets will cost $15.00. A preview hour with hors d'ouerves will start at 7:00 p.m. with the auction beginning at 8:00 p.m. We will be looking for attendance of over 100.

Know anyone who might be a candidate for an Ambassadorial Scholarship? Please let President Adib know. The process has begun.

Do you need a Rotary label pin, directory or banner? Please see Secretary Ken Rutter.

Membership resignation: It is with much sadness that Ron Barrett will no longer be a member of our Club. Ron has been an active and outstanding member of our group. Ron took the podium to explain that he will no longer be working at Redstone Highlands. He spoke of his appreciation of the Club and it's members. We wish Ron all the best in his future endeavors. Please don't be a stranger to our Club.

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM - Ed Nemanic will introduce Father Earl Henry, OSB, prior of St. Vincent Archabbey who will speak about the history of the Benedictine Community at St. Vincent.

OUR WEEKLY MEETING
Today's speaker, Daniel R. Disk, Director of Engineering, MAGLEV, Inc. gave a presentation to the Club on MAGLEV. The presentation provided an enormous amount of information. He spoke of the Pennsylvania Project for the high speed Maglev. The Project is being developed by Maglev, Inc. in a private/public partnership with the Port Authority of Allegheny County under the FRA's Magnetic Levitation Transportation Deployment Program. The technology chosen is called Transrapid. This is the process of high-speed passenger transportation (up to 300 mph) using electric currents to generate electromagnetic fields to levitate and propel the vehicle. The benefits to travelers include, a 7 minute travel time from the Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown Pittsburgh, 11 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh to Monroeville and 6 minutes from Monroeville to Greensburg. The total time between Greensburg and the airport will be 26 minutes. The cost of each segment of travel was stated to be $5.00. This fits the general purpose and project purpose "To provide a direct link from the Airport to Downtown Pittsburgh and beyond - and to alleviate the east/west traffic problem." The FRA Maglev Deployment Process provides $55 million in pre-construction authority and $950 million in construction authority. The term deployment was stressed due to the fact that this technology already exists as opposed to development project. The site must be a public/private effort with partnership potential, satisfy a real world need, demonstrate the ability to cover O&M costs on an ongoing basis (41 years), demonstrate technology capability, have a national significance and have 70% American content. There is competition between 2 remaining sites of the original 7 proposed. The 2 being Pittsburgh and Baltimore/Washington. Sources of funding include Federal $950 million, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania $475 million, private funding and bonds. Total cost is to be $2.7 billion. It is estimated that job creation would number 20,000 plus indirect jobs. It was stated that the Maglev is the safest transit system in the world, is the most energy efficient between automobile, train and airplane travel, is environmentally friendly and has a low life cycle cost. An interesting proposed construction technique would be the use of a blimp to transport rails to the job site, thus, reducing the need for roads to be constructed to enable the heavy materials to be transported to the construction areas.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS:
Bob Wilson - March 5th
Eric Bononi - March 8th
Bill Barger - March 9th
Andrea Mroz - March 15th
Tom Sphon - March 16th
Roy Thompson - March 16th
Don Bloom - March 18th
Mike Guidas - March 19th
John Wesner - March 19th
Ed Nemanic - March 22nd
Nils Ljungman - March 24th
Jeff Ruffner - March 26th
Ron Barrett - March 30th
Dennis DiPerna - March 31st

MONDAY
New Stanton/Youngwood_____12:00__Community College
Norwin___________________12:00__Chesterfield Restaurant
Jeannette__________________ 6:00PM_DeNunzio’s Restaurant
Mountain View_____________12:15PM_St. Joseph’s

TUESDAY
West Newton______________12:00___Presbyterian Church
Scottdale________________12:00___Broadway Bistro
Mt. Pleasant_____________12:05___Elks Lodge
Blairsville______________ 6:00PM_Chestnut Ridge Inn
Ligonier_________________ 6:15PM_Conference Center
Delmont-Salem____________ 7:00AM_Touch of Country

WEDNESDAY
Latrobe__________________12:10___Elks Club
Pittsburgh_______________12:00___Hotel William Penn
Murrysville-Export_______ 6:45PM_Lamplighter

THURSDAY
Hempfield________________ 7:30AM_Four Points Hotel
Connellsville____________12:00___Highlands Hospital
Penn-Trafford____________ 6:30PM_Norwin Elks
Belle Vernon_____________ 6:30PM_Cedarbrook Golf Club

FRIDAY
Monongahela______________12:05___Step II Restaurant
Somerset_________________12:15___Somerset Country Club
………………….SERVICE ABOVE SELF…………………..

ROTARY FLASHES 03/13/2001
ROTARY FLASHES
GREENSBURG ROTARY CLUB NO. 250 – CHARTERED OCTOBER 4, 1916
Volume 71, No. 36…………………………………………………….. March 13, 2001

Inside This Issue

Wise and Otherwise
Next Meeting’s Program Listing
Our Weekly Meeting and Birthday listings
Places and times to make up a meeting

WISE AND OTHERWISE
"Keep conscience clear - then never fear."(Franklin)

Tom Hower offered the invocation thanking God for all our blessings and stating that we should be ever mindful of the needs of others.

Our Sergeant At Arms, Keith McIlwain, announced that we had no visiting Rotarians. We had two guests, Rodney Boyce was a guest of John Wohlin and Kotomi Yamazaki, exchange student from Japan, was hosted by Jim Harrold. Our student guests were Nathan Nedley (nephew of Rick) from Greensburg Central Catholic, Jaclyn DePaul from the Hempfield Area Sr. High School and Jennifer Leu from Greensburg Salem. Thanks to our drivers Jim Harrold, Mary Clymer, Rick Nedley and John Hanna for bringing these students to the meeting today.

TODAY'S ATTENDANCE was 60. This included 2 guests and 3 students.

Word has been received that Dick McNeel has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. We all wish our friend a speedy recovery.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kevin Metsger advised that the Annual Health Screening Project would be held on April 7th and 21st. Additional rooms at the center have been provided for additional testing. It was stressed that 15 volunteers are needed for each Saturday morning so that this program can continue to be professionally operated. Report at 5:45 a.m. We should be concluded at 10:30 a.m. Have you been wondering how to be of service to your community and your Club?…….volunteer…..Be sure to sign up at the next meeting.

President Adib announced that we would be having a new fundraiser to allow us to raise money for our current and future projects. An Art Auction will be held on May 12th at Smith Hall Lounge at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Invitations will be sent out to the community. Tickets will cost $15.00. A preview hour with hors d'ouerves will start at 7:00 p.m. with the auction beginning at 8:00 p.m. We will be looking for attendance of over 100.

Know anyone who might be a candidate for an Ambassadorial Scholarship? Please let President Adib know. The process has begun.

NEW CLUB - The Rotary Club of Donegal/Laurel Highlands is holding its Charter Night Celebration on Friday, April 6th at the Pleasant Valley Country Club starting at 6 p.m. Contact person is Tim Fretts, 724-547-6600.

Do you need a Rotary label pin, directory or banner? Please see Secretary Ken Rutter.

Membership resignations: Mary VanDyke writes that the office where she has been working in the Eastgate Plaza is closing. She will not be able to attend due to her relocation.
Also, Nils Ljungman will no longer be able to attend our meetings.
We wish you both all the best.

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM - Cesare Muccari will introduce Dan Disc who will speak about MAGLEV. The program will be 40 to 45 minutes in length. We will be starting early, the bell will ring shortly after noon. Please plan on attending and being there early.

OUR WEEKLY MEETING
Our speakers today, Father Michael Begolly, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and Mrs. Helen Paharik, Pastoral Associate, presented the Bethlehem Project. Father Begolly said that the purpose of the project is to respond to the needs of the homeless. Originally when he came to Greensburg, there were numbers of people whom came to the parish looking for assistance. He discovered that the needs exceeded the parish's abilities. The Bethlehem Project was the first attempt to prevent homelessness. It was decided to structure the Project around Catholic principles. Use of community resources to promote common good was enlisted. He advised that there was a need for someone to speak for the poor, provide them dignity during their hard times and provide them with ways to recover from the difficult time. He also wanted a system to meet the needs of transients and also make changes for a long term solutions. The Project works with the County and State to make sure that they are working together in this mission. Immediate needs and long term solutions are the goals. Catholic Charities and Duquesne University are assisting. The Community Foundation has given a $10,000 grant. After individuals in need are connected with community resources and when those avenues are not available or exhausted, they are referred to the Bethlehem Project. There may be agreements with landlords to allow a person or family to stay in their home without being evicted. This will allow the family to get back on their feet during a difficult time while still having a roof over their heads. There is an Advisory Board, which consists of 10 members of which 5 are former homeless persons. They know the need firsthand. Financial planning and budgeting are offered to help individuals. The Project also addresses utility issues. During the question period, it was noted that this is a "one time" emergency assistance. Work is done with the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. There is no current shelter owned by the Bethlehem Project, however, a committee is looking into the possibility of obtaining a location within the next 2 years. Last year 244 families were served and 155 emergency shelters were provided in mostly the central Westmoreland County area.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS:
Bob Wilson - March 5th
Eric Bononi - March 8th
Bill Barger - March 9th
Andrea Mroz - March 15th
Tom Sphon - March 16th
Roy Thompson - March 16th
Don Bloom - March 18th
Mike Guidas - March 19th
John Wesner - March 19th
Ed Nemanic - March 22nd
Jeff Ruffner - March 26th
Ron Barrett - March 30th
Dennis DiPerna - March 31st

MONDAY
New Stanton/Youngwood 12:00 Community College
Norwin 12:00 Chesterfield Restaurant
Jeannette 6:00PM DeNunzio’s Restaurant
Mountain View 12:15PM St. Joseph’s

TUESDAY
West Newton 12:00 Presbyterian Church
Scottdale 12:00 Broadway Bistro
Mt. Pleasant 12:05 Elks Lodge
Blairsville 6:00PM Chestnut Ridge Inn
Ligonier 6:15PM Conference Center
Delmont-Salem 7:00AM Touch of Country

WEDNESDAY
Latrobe 12:10 Elks Club
Pittsburgh 12:00 Hotel William Penn
Murrysville-Export 6:45PM Lamplighter

THURSDAY
Hempfield 7:30AM Four Points Hotel
Connellsville 12:00 Highlands Hospital
Penn-Trafford 6:30PM Norwin Elks
Belle Vernon 6:30PM Cedarbrook Golf Club

FRIDAY
Monongahela 12:05 Step II Restaurant
Somerset 12:15 Somerset Country Club

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

ROTARY FLASHES 03/06/2001
ROTARY FLASHES

GREENSBURG ROTARY CLUB NO. 250 – CHARTERED OCTOBER 4, 1916

Volume 71, No. 35…………………………………………………….. March 6, 2001

Inside This Issue


Wise and Otherwise


Next Meeting’s Program Listing


Our Weekly Meeting and Birthday listings





Places and times to make up a meeting

WISE AND OTHERWISE
"Ability is a poor man's wealth."(Wren)

Bill Kern offered the invocation stating that three little words (AND THEN SOME) are the secrets to success that separate average people and the top people in most groups. The "top people" and Rotarians always do what is expected…and then some. They are thoughtful of others: they are considerate and kind…and then some. They are good friends….and then some. They can be counted on in an emergency…and then some.

Our Sergeant At Arms, John Hanna, announced that we had a visiting Rotarian, Jim Hepler, hosted by his wife Debbie Hepler. We had several guests, Greg Barsoum and John Shaffer were guests of President Adib, Bobbi Watt-Geer was a guest of Ron Barrett, Bob Stemler was a guest of Bill Barger. Our student guests were Melissa Albert from Greensburg Central Catholic, Jay Sellers from the Hempfield Area Sr. High School and Ashley Harrold from Greensburg Salem. Thanks to our drivers Jim Harrold, Bob Wilson and Chuck Strobel for bringing these students to the meeting today.

TODAY'S ATTENDANCE was 53. This included 5 guests and 3 students.

Word has been received that Dick McNeel is currently in the Westmoreland Hospital. We all wish our friend a speedy recovery. A get well card was signed by all in attendance.

Our thanks were expressed to Greg Barsoum and John Shaffer for their labor in replacing the lens and cleaning up the Rotary Town Clock in front of the Courthouse. Also, the City of Greensburg, under Tom Sphon's direction paid for the lens. The Westmoreland Trust donated the time of the laborers to work on the clock repairs. The clock has been re-programmed to strike out the hours of 8am, Noon and 6pm. A joint effort for funds of $1,500 to $2,000 will be needed to have the tape deck repaired so that music can be once more heard. It was noted that many good comments were heard. Thanks again to all involved.

Mini-autobiography - John Hanna took the podium to tell us a little about himself. He is the owner/operator of the Hanna Insurance Agency in Latrobe. He has been in the insurance business for the past 25 years. He attended the University of Tennessee and also St. Vincent. He then attended graduate college for 1 year. He took over the business from his late father who had started the business in 1959. John is deeply appreciative of his family and his father's influence in his life. He enjoys skiing, basketball and is an avid boater. He desires to become an active member and contribute greatly to Rotary.

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM will be introduced by Ed Nemanic, Program Chairman for March. The speakers will be Father Michael Begolly, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and Mrs. Helene Paharik, Pastoral Associate. The subject will be The Bethlehem Project.

Make-ups: Jack Waite attended the Rotary Club of Norwin, Roberta Stemmler-Guest attended the Rotary Club of Bradenton, FL., Elinore McMahan attended the Hempfield Club.

CORRECTION: Please make the following correction to Tyler Courtney's e-mail address in your membership roster book: gbgcourtney@gateway.net

OUR WEEKLY MEETING

Our speaker today was fellow member Bill Barger, Executive Director of The ARC Westmoreland. The history of this organization began in 1954 when 13 families were looking for day services for their children. At that time there were only two options for families with retarded children; stay at home or institutionalization. In 1962 there was incorporation and then another incorporation to reflect "Retarded Citizens" rather than just children. In 1992 the name of the organization was changed to ARC. The current budget was reported to be 7.5 million dollars. The organization has 180 full and part time staff. Due to growth, a feasibility study was done in 1997 to consider a larger facility. Various buildings throughout the area were being rented by the organization. A conventional route to financing the new facility was used; a low interest loan was obtained. Ground was broken last March, November was the completion date and by January of this year all programs were in place. The Housing Initiative funds of $100,000 are not to build houses, rather, to allow for a 3 year period to work with aging families with children still at home. There are ways to allow clients to stay in their own homes through trusts. Information is provided regarding CPAs, architects, financial planners, etc. to deal with the special needs of these families. The Food Service aspect deals with not only training of individuals but also allows over 200 participants to have a free hot lunch each day. It was noted that 5 graduates are now working at locations such as St. Joseph's, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Redstone Highlands. Funding for the food service division came from a Community Development Block Grant. ARC Industries will be able to expand now. Credit for keeping this whole expansion going was given to volunteer Bob Stemler. He will be duly recognized at the Open House and Dedication to be held this Sunday, March 11, 2001 when the new facility is named the J. Robert Stemler Programs Center.

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS:
Bob Wilson - March 5th
Eric Bononi - March 8th
Bill Barger - March 9th
Andrea Mroz - March 15th
Tom Sphon - March 16th
Roy Thompson - March 16th
Don Bloom - March 18th
Mike Guidas - March 19th
John Wesner - March 19th
Ed Nemanic - March 22nd
Nils Ljungman - March 24th
Jeff Ruffner - March 26th
Ron Barrett - March 30th
Dennis DiPerna - March 31st

MONDAY
New Stanton/Youngwood…12:00………....Community College
Norwin……………………..12:00……..Chesterfield Restaurant
Jeannette……………………..6:00PM…DeNunzio’s Restaurant
Mountain View……………..12:15PM……………...St. Joseph’s

TUESDAY
West Newton ………………12:00………..Presbyterian Church
Scottdale…………………....12:00………..…..Broadway Bistro
Mt. Pleasant………………...12:05……………..…..Elks Lodge
Blairsville…………………… 6:00PM…......Chestnut Ridge Inn
Ligonier…………………..…..6:15PM…..….Conference Center
Delmont-Salem…………...….7:00AM……....Touch of Country

WEDNESDAY
Latrobe……………………...12:10………….………Elks Club
Pittsburgh…………………...12:00…..…...Hotel William Penn
Murrysville-Export…………...6:45PM………..…..Lamplighter

THURSDAY
Hempfield…………………....7:30AM….….Four Points Hotel
Connellsville………………...12:00………..Highlands Hospital
Penn-Trafford…………….…6:30PM….…..….....Norwin Elks
Belle Vernon………………...6:30PM…..Cedarbrook Golf Club

FRIDAY
Monongahela…………….…12:05…….……Step II Restaurant
Somerset…………………....12:15……..Somerset Country Club
………………….SERVICE ABOVE SELF…………………..